Aurora: What was your inspiration behind your most recent novel?
Scott Reintgen: Here’s the tricky thing: I’ve got two most recent novels coming out. Escaping Ordinary is my middle grade book, and it was inspired by my love of video games. I really wanted to see what would happen if my characters got pulled into one big video game. What would life in that environment really look like? As for Bloodsworn, the main inspiration for that book came from ideas of trickster gods. Beings that, while powerful, might not be telling the entire truth. I wanted to see what would happen to a society that was built around a lie like that.
What character in this novel do you most relate to and why?
Adrian in Bloodsworn might be one of the more “me” characters I’ve ever written. He’s trying to do the right thing. He’s wrestling with the legacy that his family has handed him. He’s ultra-competitive, but feels the weight of everything happening around him. There’s a lot of me in the tough, young general that finds himself not only facing a new enemy, but trying to figure out new friendships as well.
Why do you feel novels with powerful and unique characters are so popular and have such a voice right now?
I don’t know if that’s a right now thing, as much as it’s an always thing. We’re drawn to characters. Worlds and magic and all of that are great, but really it’s always been about who we’re following, regardless of the world or situation. That’s actually how most of my stories start. The crossroads between a cool concept and the right character to lead us through that world.
Please describe the content of your latest read and what can readers expect from it.
My most recent read was The Guest List by Lucy Foley. I thought it was excellent. A couple is having their wedding on a very old, nearly abandoned Irish island. The story follows the guest list of characters, many of whom are bringing some very serious baggage to the remote location. I thought it was a masterful story that kept me turning pages until the very end.
What’s next for you in the bookish world?
Next for me is the launch of these two sequels: Bloodsworn and Escaping Ordinary. There will also be a third book in the Talespinners series after that. I’ve got plenty up my sleeves that can’t be announced. More on that in the near future.
Who is your current favorite writer? Why?
I’ve got so many! It’s hard to choose. Three that popped immediately to mind: Jason Reynolds, Pierce Brown, N.K. Jemisin. I think Jason writes some of the most beautiful stuff we have today. Pierce created my favorite world in the Red Rising series. And N.K. Jemisin is just masteful at character, POV, everything. They’re my current favorites, but the list could be a lot longer.
Any writing advice for aspiring writers?
Yes! First, make the time for it. You can’t get better without carving out actual practice time. Second, do your best to find community. Other writers can sharpen us and help us along the way. My writing group has been indispensable. Finally, I’d suggest reading widely–and reading like a writer. Pay close attention when books really rope you in. How did they make you fall for that character? Or hide that plot twist? Paying attention to those things can really sharpen your own arsenal.
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